CTV News – Gun Violence Prevention
WATERLOO — After a rash of shootings in Waterloo Region over the past several weeks, experts say more needs to be done at the community level to prevent a surge in violent crime.
So far this year, there have been 10 shootings in the region, with five coming since July.
“I hope this isn’t the start of a trend,” said Michael Parkinson with the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council.
Parkinson says neighbourhood access to recreation programs for young people to provide sports and arts as an outlet is an important step and offers the chance for young people to “engage in a different lifestyle.”
“We want to support community centres and we want to promote engagement between citizens, getting to know your neighbour and reaching out because it’s true what they say, that it takes a village to raise a child and that’s where we are and that’s where the benefit is in reducing not only gun-related violence but all other forms of crime,” he said.
Parkinson said it’s a long-term solution that will pay off in the future, adding these programs need sustainable funding.